K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 161

Those Mixed up Words!

Occasionally, I'll pull out an oldie but goodie. That's the case this week, my discussion about homophones. As an author, you really don't want to get these words wrong.
You post a status on Facebook. Or drop a tweet into Twitter, and you're immediate reaction is "Did I really do that?" Just what do you think is right in the sentence you just wrote, or perhaps wrong?
Maybe you blew it with one of the many homophones in our language. You know homophones – those words that sound exactly alike, but have meanings nowhere near each other. And now you're at risk of the Grammar Police nagging you until you do an edit, but what word do you use? How fast can you get this corrected? After all, no one wants a grammar cop on their case. Oh, you've seen people make fun of them, but those folks don't have one stalking them right this very minute.
How do you avoid these mistakes? There are some very simple rules to follow, and we'll go over some of the most mixed up words known to man today.
You're/Your:
You're is the contraction of you are, as in: You're a great friend.Your is the possessive of an adjective or an indication of a group or person, as in: Let's go to yourhouse.
Than/Then:
Than is a conjunction, a word that joins other words, like and, as in: I'd rather go here thanthere.Then has many meanings, but it's popularly used as next or afterward, as in: Then we'll pick up Jack.
Accept/Except:
Accept means to receive, admit, or regard as true, as in: Accept was Susie's first thought when she ripped open the thick envelope from Stanford.Except means to exclude, as in: The whole class except Bill, Jane, Joe, and Teresa will go on the field trip next Tuesday.
To/Too/Two:
To is used as a preposition before a noun or as an infinitive before a verb, as in: He went towork, even though his friends took off for the beach.Too is a synonym for also, as in: I'd like one, too.Two is a number, as in: Jane picked up two oranges.
Their/There/They're:
Their – third person plural, possessive adjective for things belonging to them, as in: Theirhorses cantered across the field.There – a verb meaning opposite of here or a pronoun to introduce the noun or clause, or an adjective that emphasizes which person, as in: There is a problem with your car.There is the contraction of they are, as in: They're leaving now.
Passed/Past:
Passed – the past tense of pass, as in: He passed the accident, after gazing at the destroyed vehicles.Past is related to time, as in: Long ago and far away, in a time long past, humans had no idea machines would rule their world.
Bare/Bear:
Bear – to carry, endure or tolerate, or maintain direction, or several other things, including a rather mean animal, as in: She lost the dignity she bears once the grizzly bear made its presence known.Bare – uncovered, naked, or exposed, as in: Your low pants bare far more of your anatomy than I want to know about.
Its/It's:
Its – possessive of it, as in: The door bang shut. Its slam echoed through the house.It's – a contraction of it is, as in: It's a dog, but there is a cat running fast in the other direction.
Do/Due/Dew/Doo:
Do – a verb meaning to carry out, as in: I have so much to do.Due – payment or a date something must be turned in, as in: The term report is due tomorrow.Dew – moisture or condensation, as in: There was heavy dew this morning.Doo – is slang for a hairstyle, as in: My new doo is so great.
Till/'til:
Opinion is mixed on this word, however if you write about historical fiction or even historical non-fiction, you might want to remember this difference.Till – a cash drawer, as in: He opened the till.'til – is the contraction of until, as in: Wait 'til we get there.
Pique/Peak/Peek:
Pique – a verb meaning to arouse or stimulate, as in: The invitation piqued his interest.Peak – is a verb meaning to reach a high point, or a noun meaning high point, as in: They climbed for hours before reaching the mountains peak.Peek – a noun meaning a quick look or a verb meaning to take a quick look, as in: Her quick peekcaused the soufflé to fall.These aren't all of the mixed up words, or homophones as they're properly called, but they are the most abused. SO, the next time… excuse me. There's someone at the door.
Oh, goodness! That was the leader of the Grammar Police. He just gave me a shiny new badge, and then he swore me into their corps! You too can earn one of these badges by watching out for mixed up words.

Spotlight on K.A. Davis

About the Author



My name is Kathleen Andrews Davis and I live in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania with my husband and a horde of deer who insist on annihilating any attempts at gardening. We are empty-nesters with two grown daughters and two beautiful grandchildren.​During my long and varied working life, I did business writing including everything from press releases to policy and procedure manuals. I served as managing editor of an in-house newspaper where I enjoyed every aspect of production including writing, photography, and even dummy layout. From there, I moved into marketing pieces and business plans. My favorite venture, however, was fourteen years in the Bed & Breakfast industry. This was my passion. When we left our lovely old Victorian it left a hole in my heart and I found myself with an indistinguishable yearning to be more and do more. The little wheels in my head started turning and it dawned on me, if I liked commercial writing, why won’t I like creative writing?Becoming a grandmother was the fuel that fed the fire, and I decided to leave my grandchildren a legacy of words that would outlast any other inheritance I could give. My first two books in the Emerson’s Attic series, for middle-grade readers, were so much fun that I decided to give an adult novel a try. I love stories about smart, mature women and the characters of Windward Secrets introduced themselves to me when I least expected it. And so, I have found my new adventure and hope to learn and grow as an author. The knitting needles have slowed, the flowerbeds (or what’s left of them) have weeds, my fishing rod leans lonely in a corner of the garage, and I can’t get enough of my grandchildren.


Book Summaries




Windward SecretsFiction: Suspense, Mystery
At just over 67,700 words Windward Secrets is a fast-paced mystery laced with humor, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal that will make the reader gasp at times, and soften their hearts at other times.
When Claire McPherson booked Windward Cottage, for the annual reunion with three college friends, her biggest concern was whether they would like the weather-beaten, old Victorian on Cape Cod. Claire, Diane, Jill, and Caroline are in for more than a little Right and R. Windward Cottage has its own special powers of seduction. After 35 years of friendship they thought they knew everything about each other, but the old house draws confessions out of each and leads them unwillingly into a 50-year-old mystery.
What was planned to be a vacation filled with fun, food, and reminiscing turns into one that will change their lives forever. Who or what is trying to frighten them? Only one woman’s stubborn determination keeps them at Windward Cottage when common sense tells them to leave. Fear, danger, and unexplained events connect the four women to each other and to Windward Cottage. Three of the women find their futures, and one finds her past.
Readers will recognize someone they know in every character as Windward Secrets heightens their awareness of the heinous crime of human trafficking.


Emerson’s Attic: The Blue VelvetMiddle-grade historical fiction/adventure.




Emerson’s Attic, is a time travel mystery series for middle-grade readers. The first book in the series, The Blue Velvet, introduces 14-year-old, Emerson Amelia McBride as a normal American teenager. While cleaning the attic as punishment, she is swept back in time to Victorian England where she takes up residence as one of the chambermaids. Emerson’s grandfather guides her, through her dreams, to solve a family mystery. The intrigue of the inhabitants of an English manor house force Emerson has to think on her feet without the modern conveniences she’s used to. History, geography, and even love make Emerson question which life she prefers.
Emerson’s Attic: Smoke and Mirrors Middle-grade historical fiction/ adventure.




Walking home from school 14-year-old Emerson McBride thought it was just another beautiful fall day, little did she know how wrong she was. There’s a secret in the attic of the old Victorian house where she lives and her best friend Sarah has gone up to the attic to look for a Halloween costume. Will the same thing happen to Sarah that happened to Emerson the last time she was in the attic? Will Emerson get home in time to save her friend? Join Emerson in her second adventure traveling back in time to meet exciting people and danger.




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Don’t Be A Negative Nellie

One of the most important things an author can do is appear positive no matter what the situation is. Therein presents the dilemma—most authors are shy and introverted, yet we’re expected to do appearances, be friendly on social media, and always have a smile on our face.
Just how do you overcome this problem?
Some people think we should take acting classes or participate in community theater. That is a good idea, if you are into acting. You learn presence when you’re standing in front of a group of people, how to smile when you’re quivering inside, and how to project your voice when speaking.
Another way to overcome stage fright is to practice what you’re going to say. Stand in front of a mirror with your notes and speak over and over, until you have managed to get through your speech without pausing or saying uh… If you do need to find your place, your notes should be in a very large font so you can easily find out where you are.
While you’re speaking, you need to move your head. Focus on all those there to hear you talk about your book, not just one person. Connect with their eyes, say a few words, and then move on to the next person.
Most speaking engagements at bookstores or libraries are thirty to forty-five minutes long. That’s what you have to use as your benchmark when you’re designing your speech.
Wait, you say, I can’t talk about my book for that long!
Sure you can. Your book came from your heart. You know it from cover to cover. Set up an excerpt to read. Invite the audience to ask questions about the characters. Here you can deviate from your prepared speech by including things that aren’t in the book. Things like Suzie slid down a hill covered in poison oak wearing a tank top and shorts when she was ten. No one in her  family will let her forget how she was wiggling all over the back of her mom’s van all the way home and having to listen to the rest of her family telling her not to scratch. Or Johnny jumped his bicycle over a ramp, only to land sideways. He tore all the skin off his knee and had to spend the rest of the summer inside while everyone else was having fun. These are things your readers will love. You’re humanizing your characters, bringing them off the page, and giving them a real life.
Then there’s social media. What do you do when a fan comments on your Facebook fan page? Don’t ignore them. Take a deep breath. Blow it out. Then think up a casual sounding reply. Make sure your reply is inviting enough that they respond back. Keep this thread going. You’ve not only kept this fan for life, but you have also learned one of the first things about interaction—you can’t ignore anything… well, except what looks like an invitation to argue about your book. That should always be deflected into a positive discussion.
Remember, don’t be a Negative Nellie when it comes to interacting with your fans, either online or in person. These people want to put a face on their favorite book, and you are that face. That means you have to learn to talk and interact with your fans without panicking. 

Spotlight on Susan Lynn Solomon ~ The Magic of Murder

Today, Out of Control Characters welcomes Susan Lynn Solomon and features her book, The Magic of Murder


The Magic of Murder

When his partner is discovered in a frozen alley with eight bullets in his chest, Niagara Falls Police Detective Roger Frey swears vengeance. But Detective Chief Woodward has forbidden him or anyone else on the detective squad to work the case. Emlyn Goode knows Roger will disobey his boss, which will cost him his job and his freedom. Because she cares for him more than she’ll admit, she needs to stop him. Desperate, she can think of but one way. Emlyn recently learned she’s a direct descendent of a woman hanged as a witch in 1692. She has a book filled with arcane recipes and chants passed down through her family. Possessed of, or perhaps by a vivid imagination, she intends to use these to solve Jimmy’s murder before Roger takes revenge on the killer. But she’s new to this “witch thing,” and needs help from her friend Rebecca Nurse, whose ancestor also took a short drop from a Salem tree. Also in the mix is a rather hefty albino cat (Elvira detests being called fat). Rebecca’s not much better at deciphering the ancient directions, and while the women and the cat stumble over spell after spell, the number possible killers grows. They’d better quickly come up with a workable spell: when Chief Woodward’s wife is shot and a bottle bomb bursts through Emlyn’s window, it becomes clear she’s next on the killer’s list.


What people are saying
This book pulled me right in. I think it must have been the fact that Susan Lynn Solomon puts her characters first. The story revolves around the murder of a Niagara Falls Police officer… The adventure that ensues is absolutely entertaining and well-written. It is funny, exciting, and fast-paced. Every character has depth and is…believable. The Magic of Murder is one fun read and is definitely worthy of all 5 stars. —Frederick Crook, author, Of Knight & Devil
Suspense, humor, compelling characters, a dash of the supernatural dating back to Salem, a powerful sense of place, and Emlyn Goode, a passionate and determined woman new to witchcraft and murder. Susan Lynn Solomon captures both the city of Niagara Falls and its quirkiest resident, an unusual sleuth. The magic of Murder is a winner ad, we hope, only the first appearance of Emlyn Goode.—Gary Early Ross, author of Blackbird Rising add the Edgar Award—winning Matter of Intent 
 

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About the Author

Formerly a Manhattan entertainment attorney, and then a contributing editor to the quarterly art magazine SunStorm Fine Arts, Susan Lynn Solomon now lives in Niagara Falls, New York, where she is in charge of legal and financial affairs for a management consulting firm. After moving to Niagara Falls she became a member of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s Writers Critique Group, and turned her attention to writing fiction. Since 2009, a number of her short stories have appeared in literary journals, including, Abigail Bender (awarded an Honorable Mention in a Writer’s Journal short romance competition), Witches Gumbo, Ginger Man, The Memory Tree, Elvira, Second Hand, Sabbath(nominated for 2013 Best of the Netby the editor of Prick of the Spindle), and Kaddish. Her latest two short stories are, Yesterday’s Wings, about a woman searching for the courage of her past, appears in the October 2015 edition of, Imitation Fruit; and Captive Soul, which is included in Solstice Publishing’s Halloween anthology, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.



 
  

Spotlight on Deborah Melanie ~ Vivian's Vampire

Blurb
She’s got a scythe, a severed head and she’s looking for love. 
Waitress Vivian Shawcross loves a costume party. When Halloween comes along, she can’t wait for the spooky fun to start. However, a mix up over her costume and a road diversion, are just two of the mini disasters she encounters en route to her ghostly night out. Stranded in a remote English village, isn’t her idea of fun, but when a gorgeous vampire is thrown into the equation, Vivian discovers that her fun night out has only just begun.







Excerpt One
 “Would you like a scythe? I’ve got a beast of a one here.” She watched him hold up the gleaming article, its silver blade, a fitting embodiment of cut and thrust. “It’s the best I can offer at this stage.”  She pursed her lips together in what she hoped was a display of annoyance.  He sighed. “A bloody head and the scythe? I’ve done a great trade in bloody heads this week.” She watched him reach under the counter, before holding aloft a bearded man, his mouth held open in a gaping ‘O’ shape. Proudly he displayed it to her, the blood dripping from the neck area, as it swung to and fro. “Personalise him. Give him a name. Let the accessory work for you. Picture it, scythe in one hand, head in the other. Don’t tell me it’s not a look the men folk wouldn’t clamour for.”  She felt her face flush red with frustration.  “Right then, scythe, head and I’ll upgrade you to the black velvet, hooded gown, with inside iPod pocket. Now I can’t say fairer than that.”  “Fine.” Vivien tapped her foot, her impatience obvious. “It will have to do. You need to know something though, Alex. I’m not happy. I’m your best customer. In fact, sometimes I think I’m your only customer. There’s never anyone in here, apart from me.” “That’s because I’m a discerning shopkeeper. I’ll have you know, I’m rather choosy when it comes to my clientele.” 






“There’s a recession on. You can’t afford to be choosy. You know I have great faith in you, Alex and I’m here without fail at all public holidays and celebrations, yet I can’t see how dressing as Death will win me over more men than the Sexy Black Cat costume. I had my nails painted in gothic black and even bought some PVC boots from the kinky shop around the corner. Even the boots won’t save this outfit. ” Shrugging his shoulders, Alex escorted Vivian around to the dressing area of his costume shop. “What can I tell you, Darling? It was an honest mistake. Rest assured, you’re going to rock this outfit.” “And how can you be so sure?” Vivian felt defeated, even before she tried the costume on. Her heart had been set on being dressed as a Sexy Black Cat and hopefully landing herself a gorgeous hunk of a date for the evening. “I know because you’re the sort of girl who can turn a disaster into a triumph. Any man worth his salt is going to love you in this outfit. There’s much more to you than PVC. Don’t sell yourself short.” 






Excerpt Two


She turned to the severed head on the passenger seat. “Looks like it’s you and me then, Bob. How are you at witty conversation? Not so hot eh? Well, that’s all right. We’ll be boogying the night away before you know it. And if you’re a good boy, I’ll even buy you a drink.” She turned the wheel to the left and saw a speed sign for 30, indicating that yet another village was around the corner. “I should have invested in Sat Nav, Bob,” she informed the head. “How’s your map reading? Ah, no need. I can see the sign. We are currently traveling through…” she squinted at the “Welcome To” sign. “Hell. Hell?” She stamped her foot on the brake, checked her mirror and reversed. Winding down the window confirmed her fears. Sure enough the cheerful road sign, decorated with seasonal hanging baskets, informed her that she had arrived in Hell.





Deborah writes stories describing life in England, with a backdrop of rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. She loves to write about small market towns and close knit communities .
Her stories are contemporary romance, with a little sugar and a little spice. Her stories often combinine her interests in the paranormal, comedy and food. 
Deborah is a keen photographer who loves to be creative and has designed many book covers, for independent authors and an established publishing house.  



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 Vivian's Vampire ~ U.S.
Vivian's Vampire U.K.

The Holiday Advantage

The major holiday season is upon us. As an author, you know the rules regarding holidays in your stories, but there is something you’re neglected for years, because you write novels. Only novels, never anything else.
Shame on you. You’ve ignored the opportunity to grab new readers by not focusing on a fabulous marketing tool.
Holidays occur year round. As writers, we have the opportunity to create short stories or novellas that emphasize the different ways people celebrate them. These don’t have to be true stories, in fact, they should be based on the same imaginings you put in your books.
Right now, we are about to enter a long period of celebrations. Take advantage of what’s coming up and celebrate by giving your fans the opportunity to enjoy themselves. Here are just a few major celebrations you can create stories about.
Halloween is much bigger now than the simple trick or treat many saw as children. There is as much decorating as the Winter Holiday season. While trick or treating has changed, those who love this day go out of their way to express that in as many ways as they can think up. Homes are decorated with cackling witches, funny or scary ghosts, howling werewolves, and all other creatures that will scare the dickens out of others. Parties abound, where the theme can often include old favorites such as bobbing for apples or a haunted house theme.
Thanksgiving in November has its roots in the United States, while our neighbors to the north, Canada, have their day on the second Monday in October. This is more than a meal that leaves everyone groaning and complaining they ate too much. It’s about family, good and bad. Friends are often part of this celebration. What a great theme for a mystery or romance. Even sci-fi and fantasy aficionados will love a story about the turkey that got away, or how the kids ate up all the mashed or sweet potatoes before everyone else. The infamous green casserole can play a major role in that mystery, perhaps old Uncle Joe burying it in the backyard rather than endure another year of it.
While not official holidays, Black Friday and Cyber (Black) Monday can create tension and great storytelling material for the intrepid writer. Imagine an individual dragged out for the early sales despite their hatred of them. Pair that up with a store full of determined shoppers and you have the makings of a great comedic story.
December is rife with holidays for all cultures and religious beliefs. A simple search can come up with a very long list, where the diligent author can create several stories for their by now worn out from shopping fans who don’t want to concentrate for a full novel, but will be happy with a short story or novella.
Jump into the short story/novella scene and provide for some entertainment that will give you more fans. These fans might be what you need to grow your readership.  

Teaser Tuesday ~ Raegyn Perry ~ Lavender Fields

About The Author: Raegyn Perry Author
Raegyn (pronounced Reagan) Perry is thrilled to share her debut novel, Lavender Fields , with readers. This is the first book in the Eternal Journey Series. It asks the question, ‘What if love found the right people, at the wrong time?’ With the inspiration coming from a true family story, and having found the uninhibited time to write, a story of unequaled love and desperate circumstances was born. When not writing, Raegyn is perfectly content curled up with a good book, TV binge watching, or on a fun travel adventure. Also, anyone who knows her knows she loves to dance (a lot!) wherever and whenever possible!How would she describe Lavender Fields? It’s a paranormal romance that centers around reincarnation; so it’s basically two romances! The story is funny, sexy, dark, and raw while being twisted, mysterious, and still somehow romantic.
Raegyn believes readers can connect with her lovers, Connor and Greye, on a few levels. It has the elements of the classic love story: boy meets & gets girl, but it also tackles some real and uncomfortable issues, while introducing characters that anyone can relate to, root for, or despise altogether! Then, throw some odd clues with a helping of paranormal in, and you have a unique take on a timeless aspect of romance. The author hopes so anyway!For a love even time can’t denyAfter Raegyn completes the Eternal Journey Series , she hopes to begin work on another series, which readers can actually catch a glimpse of first within the pages of Lavender Fields. The beautiful Pacific Northwest state of Washington has been home since 2001. She has one grown son whom she adores. Raegyn is currently working on the second book in the series, Cypress Groves, and as a playwright, she will be investigating options to get her full-length stage play produced in the area.




Blurb: Torrential rain spikes. A scream pierces the dark night.
Greye Fields has immersed herself in her literary work, with no desire to chase the inevitable sting of rejection she knows too well. She won’t allow herself the time or the desire to pursue love.
Until she meets him.
Connor Donovan is perfectly content with his bachelor status. Life is good, teaching middle school English, and being the favorite uncle. He wants for nothing.
Until he meets her.
Shattered glass. A wash of blood.
Is it a nightmare or a memory?
Can Connor and Greye overcome the obstacles to the love of all time, or is tragedy doomed to be repeated?
What if love found the right people in the wrong time?







Excerpt:
The Dream
Screams of outrage and pain crashed against the howling wind. Breaking glass followed while a crimson ooze covered the wet ground. A lingering scent carried on the breeze was swallowed by the night. The orange glow on the horizon turned an ominous dark and the sky rumbled with agitation. Each time the dream came to her, it was as vivid and profound as before. Through the fog of this dream appeared a hazy universal image. The small, obscure wooden marker at the top of the hill marked a long-forgotten resting place.
Greye had dozed off on the park bench and the haunting dream had come upon her again, as it had so many times in years past. She was never able to understand the nightmare, and it unsettled her still, as an adult. Set in a faraway place and time, there was always something more just beneath the surface… hinting at an unknown that should somehow be familiar. Greye couldn’t have known the role this recurring dream would play in her future.   *** Greye looked down to begin writing again when a searing pain shot straight up her leg. She froze in shocked confusion. She grabbed her knee as her eyes blurred with tears. Then she noticed the bright green Frisbee that had smashed into her right kneecap. The kids were now otherwise occupied, their voices softer and further in the distance. The man was approaching with the Lab in stride. Greye could sense he had stopped in front of her. She heard an anxious and strong, deep voice. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. Are you OK? I’m so sorry.” Clutching her throbbing knee with one hand, and wiping her eyes with the other, Greye looked up into his cobalt blues, which were still cringed looking at where his errant disk had landed. Managing to conceal an unexpected sigh, she replied, “I’m fine, I think. Just wasn’t expecting it.” She watched as he drew a hand through his dark, short hair. It was a nervous habit she figured. She also noticed the tousled, shiny waves that threatened to end in curls if his hair got much longer. *** Connor caught an intriguing scent on the wind he thought he remembered, but couldn’t quite place. “My apologies really. I didn’t expect it to catch that much air.” As if feeling guilty by association, the golden Lab came and rested its big head on her uninjured leg. When Connor saw the smile she gave his best friend, a warm feeling began to blossom in his chest. Scratching the dog’s ears, she offered, “It’s OK, I’ll live. May never walk right, but I’ll live.” The casual smirk she quickly added had Connor feeling the stricken pallor of his face blush with heat. “Well, it has to be said, there has been considerable advancement in knee replacement these days. Though I do hope it doesn’t come to that.” Greye let a soft laugh escape and she countered with, “I don’t think it will. I’m tough. I’ll forego the surgery, and wear this limp with pride.” She gently massaged her red and puffy knee. This time Connor had to laugh. He really liked this pretty woman with the quick and easy comebacks. She appeared to be of mixed race, most likely black and white, with her flawless honey colored complexion. It was those expressive green eyes he found he could get easily lost in. He strongly resisted the urge to touch her soft chin length brown hair, which he noticed, was lit with auburn highlights as it fell in loose waves around a diamond shaped face. He noticed a scar than ran just under her jaw line. Her slender body looked to be in pretty good shape as well.
With a cocky grin, and a small bow he said, “A battle wound then I most humbly take credit for. Then he added, “I couldn’t help but notice your perfume. It’s really … nice.” “Thank you. It’s just hand lotion; honey and—” “Lavender,” he finished. That’s her scent. She replied, “It’s honey and lavender, yes.”

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Teaser Tuesday ~ A.A. Schenna ~ Can't Let Go

About the Author
As a child, A.A dreamed of being a cardiac surgeon. Later, he realized that this was not what he wanted. Writing has always been his greatest pleasure. When he doesn’t write action, adventure, romance stories or anything else, he reads everything. Schenna admires all the writers he comes across and enjoys talking about books and magazines.A.A loves meeting new people and discovering new places. Trapped in Timelessness, Lake’s Curse, The Alphas, Limitless Love Collection, On the Sixth Floor, Fallen Angels and Can’t Let Go are available through the Solstice Publishing website.




Blurb
When Ralph met Sonya, he fell instantly in love. He did not know that she had a past, and that one day, that past would rise to haunt them both and try to tear their family apart forever.





Excerpt
He knew he had to accept the fact that he would never see her again. He knew that he had to be strong. He had to pull himself back together. As he was trying to make the baby calm, Ralph realized that nothing would be the same again. He half-closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath. His daughter had turned red as she didn’t stop crying and glancing at the cramped room, looking for her mother. The moment Shania fell asleep again, he came across reality. Ralph took a few steps and stood in front of the small window. After a while, he placed his hands on the cold glass and gazed at the reflection as he wished he would get past the nightmare. Ralph looked back and saw his baby sleeping and, immediately, he felt weird. The absurd fate had broken the rules of harmony and, in a flash, he ran into the worst experience of his life. Although his baby had stopped crying and he breathed the air of relief, he knew that he was trapped in the zone of vagueness and could do nothing to get away. He couldn’t stop biting his lips and looking outside the window. He kept shaking as he was not eager to come closer to the path of the ruthless reality. The warm, beautiful home had turned into a silent house where nothing reminded him of the sweet, carefree moments of the past. This place was not his precious shelter anymore. Out of the blue, Ralph shook his head and started smiling since he wanted to avoid the dangerous games of his mind. His partner had managed to bring him face-to-face with the worst fact of his life, but it was not the time to deal with her unexpected reaction. Ralph was struggling to survive as he wasn’t able to think of anything other than his daughter’s future. “Oh gosh, if only I could change things,” he kept whispering.The memories of the past came up and flooded his mind and his soul. “This can’t be true,” he murmured. He assumed that he had to forget her and move on his life, focusing on his baby, but it was too soon for anything other than trying to escape from the freaking nightmare. Ralph placed his hands on his face and tried to prevent the tears from making their appearance, and to be optimistic as well, but his partner’s naïve action, the secrets and the lies Sonya had decided to put in their lives --destroying their relationship- -didn’t help him find the hope he was looking for. The night had dressed the whole city while the dark thoughts had enveloped his mind driving him toward the road to insanity. Everything fought against his serenity and, soon, he would start losing control. Although Ralph was determined to overcome the new, dangerous challenge in his life, he couldn’t ignore the possibilities of his success. He felt stranded in the zone of hopelessness, and it was obvious that he needed help. Ralph kept walking around in the small room thinking of the reason his partner had left their home. Ralph would never leave his child. He wanted to believe that things would get better, but he was living a hell and he had to find the mother of his baby as well. He had decided to focus on his child and no matter how harshly his partner and life had treated him, he knew that he had to adjust to reality and deal with the tragedy. It would be very difficult to move on, but he had to ignore her betrayal and make a new beginning. He sat in the chair gazing at his baby and, before long, the strong wind made him get his life back. The moment he heard the branches of the large sycamores leaning toward the yellow tile roof, he assumed she came back home and started smiling. In a flash, his shoulders loosened and made him look peaceful and happy as usual.

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Social Trends As A Novel

We all see the current social trends—the latest bit of news hitting the social media pages and going viral. As authors, we’re always telling ourselves this isn’t something we can touch on, it’ll be yesterday’s news within hours. One thing all of us know is that what’s old isn’t an appropriate theme for a book.
Wrong.
In my books, I’ve addressed underage drinking, school violence, bullying, texting and driving, and teen suicide. I’ve made those issues timeless by creating a story readers can relate to.
How does the author accomplish this?
First, you need to research your theme. Don’t just see a few memes regarding that social trend and decided that it’ll make a good book. You’ll soon find yourself stuttering as your plot falters. Your characters will fall flat. The story will fade away instead of making an impact.
Second, decide on the setting, make it appropriate to the situation. You can’t have a rural setting for a story that affects only those in the city. Nor can an urban setting do justice to what would work better in small towns or communities.
Connect with what’s happening now with the past. A lot of people believe that what’s going on currently has never happened before. The discontent and discord we’re living with in the present is new to many, but there is proof that we’ve endured these times in the past. With the advent of social media, and the impact it has on our lives, it’s too easy to forget things that occurred as little as a year ago, let alone events that shaped the world in previous decades and centuries.
Don’t necessarily start with the shocker. There are stories that will work better if you ease on into the big idea. Think real life. Big events don’t just happen. There are little things that lead to them. Many people ignore those small warnings, but as an author, you should be noticing them and making notes.
Once you have all of this gathered and are ready to start that novel, stop.
I can hear it now. Stop? But you’ve been telling us to go with social trends. Why stop?
Because you’re not ready to start just yet. Yes, you have your character, the setting, the issue all ready to go, but you’re missing a strong element…
Where is your sub-plot? The goal of your characters before they’re diverted by the “Big Event?”
The world is three-dimensional, and your book should be too. Yes, you need to concentrate on the main plot element, but you also have to create a story that seems real. To do that, you also have to add in distractions for your protagonist. Here are some ideas.
An explosion destroys the town’s main center of employment. Jen’s parents have worked at this place for years. She is set to graduate high school in just a few days, but now it looks like her dad has to leave town to find a new job. If he gets that job, he’ll be staying at the new town, to set up a new home and investigate schools. Now Jen has two major problems in her life. She’s valedictorian of her class and her dad was so proud of this accomplishment, but he won’t be at graduation. He might not be coming back. Even worse, the place where he went for the interview is across the country, in a place that’s totally foreign to her, and she’d planned to go to college not far from home. You now have a three-dimensional story, with characters driven by opposing goals, and an outcome that might not work for everyone. That’s how life works, and it’s how your story should work.
A riot occurs at the high school where Ben is a student. While he sympathizes with those revolting over the problem, he also has a lot of respect for the adults who created the problem. He’s bombarded by friends and family with conflicting demands. He can either be part of the student rebellion, or he can stand aside, walk away from what he knows could be a situation that eventually ruin his life. What’s he supposed to do? How will his friends treat him if they’re arrested and he’s continuing with his life as if nothing happened? Again, this is how life works. Not only is Ben facing decisions that could change his life, he also has to come to grips with who he is and if he really will run with the crowd.
These are huge situations, but they’re not the only thing our children face in real life. Focus on the small to adults but major to teens. Show how a young adult faces growing up while they still want to have fun.

Spotlight ~ Mark Newhouse ~ Monstrovia

About the Author:
Wild creatures and underdog heroes race through Mark’s books and short stories. His published work for Solstice includes: the 5 Star, Halloween Book Award winning, ECTOS: The Ghost Doctor’s Assistant and Ectos 2: The Burning, as well as the haunting novella, “Ectos: Nightmare, which appears in Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Short stories published by Solstice are “The Ice Woman”; “The Good Host”  and “Hanukkah Miracle”  which will appear in Solstice Publishing’s upcoming holiday anthology.  Predator, Ectos 3 will add to the sizzling suspense soon. Mark’s children’s books include Welcome to Monstrovia, a comical mystery, Santa’s Speeding Ticket, (picturebook);  The Rockhound Science Mysteries series, (Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice Award); and The Midnight Diet Club, (1st Prize, YA, Florida Writers Association). His stories have been honored in the Writers’ Digest, Creative Writer’s Notebook, (Journeys anthologies), Tales 2 Inspire competitions and appear in various anthologies. Mark co-produced/hosted Author’s Beat Blog Talk Radio ~ Author Beat. A member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Author’s Guild, SCBWI and Florida Writer’s Association, he was founding president of the Writer’s League, and Writers4Kids, and was chief editor of Holiday Helpings, The Story Shop and the new Critter Capers anthologies, all profits donated to charity. He resides in Florida with a very patient wife, where he enjoys inspiring children to love reading and writing with school/library visits.  






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Blurb: Ectos: The Ghost Doctor’s AssistantA bright grad student is forced to face supernatural dangers with the university parapsychology department to free herself of a ghost and prevent her murder. What more could a girl want?




Excerpt: Ectos: The Ghost Doctor’s Assistant
Shelly didn’t smile back. “I’m not going home. I’ve made up my mind. I'm going to do whatever it takes to be on your team, and help myself get back to normal. I'm going to hold you to your promise to help Allen, and in return I’ll work with you on your cases. I’ll become an Ectoplasmic Researcher for you.”            “No, no, no! I simply can’t allow you to take such risks,” Dr. Lasker said, a worried look on his face. “I was wrong to even ask you. I can find another assistant. I have many names on a waiting list…people who are not being threatened with murder at every turn.”             “But none with their own ghost to help you.” Shelly gave him a knowing smile.            Dr. Lasker felt anxious. She was definitely not as dumb as he'd once assumed. Beauty and brains and a ghost is not a good combination, he thought. “That may have been true—“ he began.            Shelly cut him off. “You don’t have to hide it. I know exactly what you want from me. I’m willing to give it to you, but you are going to do what you can to help Allen. That’s the deal. Take it, or all those poor people you showed me will keep on suffering, and you'll miss out on the greatest research project of your career.” She could almost taste his drool as he hungered for what having a ghost -- and her -- on his team would mean to his department, and to him.             Dr. Lasker got out of his chair and walked to the window. From the twelfth floor where the private rooms were, he could not make out faces on the sidewalk below. All the tiny creatures moving about in their ‘ordinary’ lives, far below, were barely distinguishable from each other to the doctor -- who wished he could see who was standing next to his car and gazing up at this room. It could be Dodd, but how can I be sure? Damn that lunatic! he thought, but hid his anger from Shelly. He wanted the girl on his team so badly, but realized it would be signing her death warrant. “Shelly, I'm afraid you are not safe here.”





BLURB: WELCOME TO MONSTROVIA, a humorous mysteryLook out Sherlock Holmes and Perry Mason! Young Brodie Adkins is sent to spend the summer with his eccentric uncle, never guessing he will face a baffling mystery with a wacky cast of characters, a brave, but stubborn girl, and a hilarious surprise ending. Can you solve it?




Excerpt
In this scene, Jasper Doofinch is about to take Brodie on his first trip in Monstrovia and his nephew gets one of his many surprises in this very strange land:“Stop playing with him. He won’t bite you,” Uncle Jasper says. “Now come on or wait out here until I return. I’ll only be about…four hours!”I glance at the sky and there are those swirling serpents. I recall my uncle’s words, “You’re hardly a mouthful”. Dodging that head with its foaming mouth and mean-looking teeth, I reluctantly climb up over the tail, up into the sidecar. I don’t like this dragon eyeing me like I’m a juicy human jelly donut.“Don’t forget your seat belt,” Uncle Jasper helps me up. “Horace won’t go anywhere unless you’re wearing your safety belt and helmet.”“Who’s Horace?” I strap on a helmet with a dozen pointy horns butting out from its bright yellow surface. Yellow, the color of cowards. I hate wearing helmets on my bike and now I am wearing this horned yellow thing in public? No self-respecting dude would be seen in public wearing something like this!I am about to protest, but see Uncle Jasper is wearing a black leathery helmet with large red rubber balls glued to it, a real fashion statement. I can hardly keep from laughing. “I repeat, who is Horace?”The dragon’s head bobs toward me.Gulp… I think I know.



 

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Mark Newhouse on Amazon
Amazon Author Page
Ectos: The Ghost Doctor's Assistant